Western leaders and media discuss a potential new Russian invasion of Ukraine, but for Ukrainians, armed conflict has been a reality for nearly eight years. In Mariupol, residents have adapted to the ongoing threat, with local leaders preparing defense strategies. In Toretsk, close to occupied Donetsk, locals remain calm, believing a full-scale offensive is unlikely. In Sumy Oblast, bordering Russia, there is concern over the lack of border defenses, with plans to fortify the border only set to begin in 2022. Local perspectives vary, but there is a general sense of resilience and preparedness among Ukrainians living near the frontlines.

Indiana's near-total abortion ban has been in effect for nearly a year, restricting access to care with only a few exceptions. The full impact on residents will take time to be reflected in data.

Ukraine is home to numerous ethnic minorities, including Crimean Tatars, Ukrainian Greeks, and Roma activists, who are actively standing up for their rights and culture. This initiative is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation as part of the Stories from Ukraine project.

The article discusses the repression of Crimean Tatars by Russian authorities, particularly focusing on the so-called second Bakhchisaray Hizb ut-Tahrir trial where several Crimean Tatars were sentenced to long prison terms on false terrorism charges. Human rights defenders and journalists have been targeted, with many leaving Crimea after its annexation. The article highlights the inhumane conditions and torture faced by Ukrainian political prisoners, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Human rights organizations are calling for international support to protect these prisoners, with the Center for Civil Liberties launching a petition to this end. The struggle for the release of Ukrainian prisoners of the Kremlin continues amid the pandemic.

Valery Lypynsky, a Ukrainian soldier, reflects on his transformation from a Russian-speaking individual to a Ukrainian patriot since the Maidan revolution in 2014. He leads an international combat unit that has participated in liberating Kyiv and Chernihiv Oblasts and conducts reconnaissance around Kharkiv. Lypynsky, who previously served in the Aidar battalion and founded Veterano Coffee, emphasizes the high morale and experience of his unit, which includes foreign fighters. He acknowledges the significant support from the international community, including the provision of anti-tank weapons and the expertise of American veterans. Despite the heavy casualties reported by President Zelensky, Lypynsky remains optimistic about Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.

In Chornobaivka, 10 kilometers west of Kherson, two 23-year-olds, Volodymyr Prylutskyi and Denys Duchenko, were shot dead by Russian forces, who occupied the village since late February. The Russian military's presence led to terrorizing civilians, with at least 18 killed and 28 wounded during the eight-month occupation. Despite repeated Ukrainian attacks on Russian equipment at the Kherson International Airport, the village suffered significant damage and humanitarian crises persist, with residents lacking power, water, heating, and facing a disorganized distribution of aid.

In Israel, the military operation in Gaza has caused over 18,000 deaths and significant political division. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces criticism for his handling of the situation, with polls indicating a majority of Israelis hold him responsible for the attacks on October 7 and demand his resignation. Netanyahu's support largely comes from religious groups, while secular Israelis are increasingly dissatisfied. Sociologist Nitzan Perelman suggests that Netanyahu's political future is uncertain, with potential shifts in the political landscape if he steps down. The religious electorate's support for Netanyahu is strong, but the secular community's protests, such as the march for Israeli hostages, highlight the deep societal divide.

Officials in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine are conducting a campaign of 'patriotic education' aimed at children, involving military training and indoctrination. Thousands of children in the Donbas and Crimea are subjected to military-themed education and activities, often supported by Russian state programs. Human rights organizations have documented numerous violations of international law, including the recruitment of child soldiers and the use of children in armed formations. The article highlights the challenges Ukraine faces in protecting children's rights in these regions and the need for future reintegration efforts.

Russia is militarizing children in the Donbas and Crimea through education, camps, and military-patriotic clubs, violating international laws. Human rights organizations are gathering evidence to hold Russia accountable. The militarization includes training in military skills and indoctrination with anti-Ukrainian sentiments. The article highlights the challenges Ukraine faces in protecting children's rights in occupied territories and the need for future reintegration strategies.

Friday nights on Lakeshore Public Media will feature live high school football coverage from 6-10 p.m. starting August 23, hosted by Ben Kolodzinski and Wayne Snetanoff on 89.1FM. The program will include scores, interviews, and highlights, focusing on teams from Northwest Indiana.

Ukraine withdraws from Chasiv Yar due to destroyed defensive positions. Russian attacks predominantly target civilian infrastructure, with significant casualties reported in Dnipro and Kharkiv. Zelensky expresses gratitude for U.S. military aid and urges Trump to reveal his plan to end the war. France sends power generators to Ukraine, and the Netherlands commits to ongoing support. Erdogan offers to mediate peace talks, while Russia issues arrest warrants for exiled journalists. The UN General Assembly reaffirms support for Ukraine's sovereignty. Ukraine plans to submit a draft resolution on nuclear safety to the UN.

The article covers various developments related to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, including military actions, international sanctions, and geopolitical statements. Key points include Russia's reported drone attacks, Japan's sanctions on China-based companies, and the U.S. prioritizing air defense missile deliveries to Ukraine. Additionally, the article mentions cyberattacks by Ukrainian hackers, a treason trial in Russia, and significant contracts for military supplies.

The Kyiv Independent reports on various developments in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, including the Security Service of Ukraine's role in military operations, the downing of drones by the Ukrainian Air Force, and the Institute for the Study of War's analysis of the Kremlin's internal security risks. The article also covers the enlistment of author Serhiy Zhadan in the Ukrainian National Guard, Iceland's financial support for Ukrainian servicewomen, and the EU's delivery of artillery shells to Ukraine. Additionally, it discusses the investigation of the Anti-Monopoly Committee's head for illicit enrichment, the Russian attacks on Sumy Oblast and a village near Kherson, and the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's report on downed Russian missiles. The text also mentions the Russian ambassador's rejection of Poland's summons and the Ukrainian Foreign Minister's planned visit to India.

The article details the aftermath of a deadly explosion at the Olenivka prison colony in eastern Ukraine, where Russian-backed forces hold Ukrainian soldiers. Families of the imprisoned soldiers, including Olha Kerod and Alla Samoilenko, are desperate for information and justice. The explosion, which killed at least 50 soldiers, has led to conflicting accusations between Ukraine and Russia. The International Committee for the Red Cross has been unable to provide substantial information, and Russian authorities have blocked independent investigations. The article highlights the emotional toll on the families and the uncertain fate of the surviving soldiers, who may face trial in Mariupol.

The article details the aftermath of a deadly explosion at the Olenivka prison colony in eastern Ukraine, where Russian-backed forces hold Ukrainian soldiers. Families of the imprisoned soldiers, including Olha Kerod and Alla Samoilenko, are desperate for information and justice. The explosion, which killed at least 50 soldiers, has led to conflicting accusations between Ukraine and Russia. The International Committee for the Red Cross has been unable to provide substantial information, and Russian authorities have blocked independent investigations. The article highlights the emotional toll on the families and the uncertain fate of the surviving soldiers, with potential trials looming in Mariupol.

In the war-torn village of Moshchun, Ukraine, the discovery of a dead Russian soldier left unclaimed for weeks has sparked a range of emotions among residents. The incident underscores the broader issue of unclaimed bodies from the conflict, with Ukrainian officials accusing Russia of underreporting its war dead. The article details the personal experiences of Yuriy Tostopalov and Natalya Tostopalova, who found the body, and the subsequent involvement of Ukrainian forensic teams. The narrative highlights the emotional and logistical challenges faced by both Ukrainian and Russian authorities in dealing with the war's casualties.

In the war-torn village of Moshchun near Kyiv, retired engineers Yuriy Tostopalov and Natalya Tostopalova discovered the body of a dead Russian soldier weeks after Russian forces had retreated. This discovery highlighted the issue of unclaimed Russian corpses in Ukraine, with Ukrainian officials accusing Russia of underreporting its war dead. The article details the emotional and logistical challenges faced by Ukrainians in dealing with these bodies, the forensic efforts to identify remains, and the broader implications of the conflict on local communities. The narrative also touches on the personal impact on the Tostopalov family, whose home was destroyed, and the broader humanitarian and political ramifications of the ongoing war. NPR's Charles Maynes and Hanna Palamarenko contributed to the report.

In the war-torn village of Moshchun near Kyiv, retired engineers Yuriy Tostopalov and Natalya Tostopalova discovered the body of a dead Russian soldier weeks after Russian forces had retreated. This discovery highlighted the issue of unclaimed Russian corpses in Ukraine, with Ukrainian officials accusing Russia of underreporting its war dead. The article details the couple's experiences during the invasion, the forensic examination of the body, and the broader implications of the unclaimed bodies. Ukrainian authorities are working with international organizations to identify remains, while Russian families struggle to obtain information about their missing soldiers due to government secrecy.

Ukrainian women, historically active in combat, are volunteering to fight in the conflict with Russia. Tanya Kobzar, inspired by her grandmother's service in World War II, left her healthcare job to enlist. Women are not mandated to fight under martial law, unlike men aged 18 to 60, yet many join the front lines. Ukraine has recognized women as combat veterans since the 2014 invasion of eastern Ukraine. Alina Mykhailova, a Kyiv City Council member and war veteran, re-enlisted and is engaged in heavy combat. Olga Limarenko, an architect, contributes by making Molotov cocktails. The article highlights the strong commitment of Ukrainian women to the war effort.

Ukrainian women, inspired by historical precedents, are actively volunteering to fight in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Despite not being conscripted, many women like Tanya Kobzar and Alina Mykhailova have joined the military, taking on roles from combat to training. The article highlights the significant contributions of women in Ukraine's military history and their current involvement, underscoring their bravery and commitment. The narrative also touches on the broader societal impact, with women contributing in various capacities, including making Molotov cocktails and camouflage nets.

Ukrainian women, inspired by historical precedents, are actively volunteering to fight in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Despite not being conscripted, many women like Tanya Kobzar and Alina Mykhailova have joined the military, taking on roles from combat to training. The article highlights the significant contributions of women in Ukraine's military history and their current involvement, underscoring their commitment and bravery. The narrative also touches on the broader societal impact, with women contributing in various capacities, including making Molotov cocktails and camouflage nets.

Ukrainian women, historically active in combat roles, are volunteering to fight in the war against Russia. Tanya Kobzar, inspired by her grandmother's service in World War II, left her healthcare job to enlist in the Ukrainian army. Ukrainian women have been officially recognized as combat veterans since Russia's 2014 invasion of eastern Ukraine. Alina Mykhailova, a Kyiv City Council member and war veteran, has re-enlisted and is engaged in heavy combat. Despite not being conscripted, women like Olga Limarenko are eager to join the military, with some contributing by making Molotov cocktails. The article highlights the strong commitment of Ukrainian women to their country's military efforts.

Ukrainian women, historically active in combat, are volunteering to fight in the current conflict with Russia. Tanya Kobzar, inspired by her grandmother's service in World War II, left her healthcare job to enlist in the Ukrainian army. Despite no conscription for women, many have joined the fight, including Kyiv City Council member Alina Mykhailova, who is seeing heavy combat. Ukrainian women have been serving in combat roles for nearly a century, with significant enlistment after Russia's 2014 invasion of eastern Ukraine. Volunteer efforts are not limited to the front lines; women like architect Olga Limarenko are contributing by making Molotov cocktails. The article highlights the strong commitment of Ukrainian women to their country's military efforts.

Ukrainian women, inspired by historical precedents, are actively volunteering to fight in the current conflict against Russia. Despite not being mandated to serve, many women like Tanya Kobzar and Alina Mykhailova have enlisted, taking on roles from combat to training. The article highlights the significant contributions and bravery of these women, drawing parallels with historical female combatants in other conflicts. The commitment of Ukrainian women to the war effort is evident, with many contributing in various capacities, including making Molotov cocktails and camouflage nets.

Ukrainian women, inspired by historical precedents, are actively volunteering to fight in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Despite not being mandated to serve, many women have taken up arms, with some serving in combat roles and others contributing through support activities like making Molotov cocktails. The article highlights the bravery and commitment of these women, drawing parallels with female combatants in other historical and contemporary conflicts. The narrative underscores the robust combat spirit in Ukraine and the significant role women are playing in the nation's defense.

On the day Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Church of St. George in Lviv condemned Russia. The church, part of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, whose leadership supports the invasion, is seeing some priests refuse to invoke the name of Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill during services.

Ukrainian military women, who now constitute 11% of the Armed Forces, have gained significant ground in gender equality since the 2018 law on equal rights for women and men in the army. Despite legislative progress, practical challenges and persistent stereotypes remain. Women face issues such as inadequate uniforms, stigma, and the difficult balance between service and motherhood. Advocacy groups like the Invisible Battalion and the Women's Veteran Movement have been instrumental in pushing for these changes. The ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine has also altered public perception, showing that women can perform military roles on par with men.

Ukraine, already grappling with the consequences of an ongoing war with Russia since 2014, faces new challenges brought by the coronavirus pandemic. Russian aggression has resulted in the occupation of Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk, making it Europe's only active war. The pandemic adds another layer of difficulty for Ukrainians who have fled the conflict.

The article discusses the challenges faced by Ukrainians who were displaced by the Russian occupation and are now dealing with the additional hardships brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. It highlights the personal stories of four internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have had to adapt to new realities, including job losses, economic hardships, and shifts in business strategies. Despite these challenges, there are instances of community support and resilience, with some individuals finding new opportunities and ways to cope during the crisis.

A historic prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia on September 7 saw the release of 35 Ukrainians, including high-profile political prisoners and sailors. While the event brought joy, concerns arise over the concessions Ukraine made, including the release of Volodymyr Tsemakh, a key suspect in the MH-17 downing. Analysts warn of potential geopolitical consequences and the risk of forgetting other Ukrainian prisoners still held by Russia and its proxies. The exchange highlights the complex and often opaque nature of Ukraine-Russia relations, with fears that Russia may leverage such exchanges for broader strategic gains.

International Women's Day, initially proposed by Clara Zetkin in 1910 to promote gender equality, underwent significant transformations in the Soviet Union. Originally a day of solidarity against gender discrimination, it was co-opted by the Bolsheviks and later the Communist Party for propaganda, shifting focus from gender equality to class struggle and eventually to celebrating traditional femininity and motherhood. The holiday's political significance diminished over time, becoming a family-oriented celebration by the late Soviet period. Meanwhile, global feminist movements and the United Nations continued to advocate for women's rights, contrasting with the Soviet Union's superficial celebrations.